Western Michigan University student dies of coronavirus

Updated Mar 29, 2020; Posted Mar 29, 2020

Students walk on Western Michigan University campus the day after it was announced in-person classes would be canceled amid Coronavirus concerns in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, March 12, 2020. (Kendall Warner | Mlive.com)Kendall Warner | MLive.com

KALAMAZOO, MI -- A student at Western Michigan University has died after contracting COVID-19.

The university and the Kalamazoo County health department confirmed the death of Bassey Offiong on Sunday, March 29, in a joint news release.

Offiong was studying chemical engineering and set to graduate in a few weeks, WMU President Edward Montgomery said in a statement. He called Offiong a “young man of enormous potential.”

“On behalf of the entire Bronco community I want to extend my deepest condolences to his entire family, including his sister Asari, who has been generous in communicating with us regularly,” Montgomery said. “They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Kalamazoo Health Officer Jim Rutherford did not immediately confirm whether Offiong was among those students, saying it was “protected information.”

“We know this student was not a Kalamazoo County resident; however, this virus has no borders when it comes to who it affects and how it is spread," Rutherford said. "We urge everyone to help us fight community spread by following the Governor’s executive order. Stay home and, if you must go out for essential items, stay safe by taking preventative measures.”